A restaurant’s fun factor is an odd recommendation, but it really is the first adjective that comes to mind when I’m asked about Lulu’s in Gulf Shores. In fact, it’s so much fun to visit that it’s worth a detour when you’re in route to other areas along the southern coast.

Luckily, Destin now has its own Lulu’s and a new one just opened in Myrtle Beach, so stopping by the original location isn’t the only option. Wherever you’re headed, visiting the sprawling food and entertainment complex should be on your trip bucket list.

I first visited the Gulf Shores spot a few years ago with a group of family members of various ages. I assumed we'd enjoy a nondescript seafood meal and that would be that, but I was wrong on several counts.

The brainchild of Lucy Buffet, well-known chef, cookbook author and yes, sister of famed singer Jimmy Buffet, Lulu’s projects a casual, buzzing, yet laid-back vibe in a restaurant that's part entertainment, part music, a little bit of shopping and a whole lot of delicious food. There's something for everyone.

A large gift shop beckons guests as soon as they enter the property located on the shores of the intercoastal waterways a few blocks from the Gulf of Mexico. Filled with beach accessories, jewelry, cookbooks and clothing, much of it emblazoned with Lulu’s logo in the restaurant’s signature coral, hot pink, aqua and yellow colors, it’s a fun start to a memorable dining experience.

Guests can take their pick of one of several hundred tables in the mammoth open-air dining room either near the musical stage, next to the large bar or the best seats in the house, overlooking the scenic waterfront filled with passing boats and barges.

Waiting for food is not a problem for children; a large on-site arcade, sandy beach and ropes obstacle course keep them occupied.

A word of caution before you go: wait times can be long, especially at night. However, while not a reservation, the restaurant’s “go online to get in line” tab on its website places you in line for a table. Even if you do experience a wait upon arrival, there’s so much to see and do as you wander throughout the grounds.

Additionally, the vibe at Lulu’s is relaxed, casual and yes, fun, so waiting is not as insufferable as it is in stuffier restaurants.

Novelty factor aside, ultimately it’s the food that draws most people to Lulu’s and it lives up to the sizable hype courtesy of her brother’s endorsements from the concert stage and the colorful exterior.

Lulu’s takes coastal dining to a new level with fresh, innovative dishes that somehow manage to taste homemade despite the necessity of serving several hundred on any given night. Lulu’s offers a delightful mix of southern and Caribbean flavors in its menu options, including seafood, salads, sandwiches and burgers.

While you’re waiting on the main dish to arrive, sample one — or a few — of what Lulu calls “starters and snacks.” , You may not feel the need to move past this section.

One of my favorites is aptly described as “A mountain of fried okra!” It’s a platter of crispy okra ($9) with a side of ranch dressing. Also, Lulu’s serves some of the best onion rings I’ve ever tasted. A basket (also $9) comes with Lulu’s Wow Sauce for dipping.

Lulu's fried shrimp po'boy is served hot and crispy, fried in Buffett’s special seasoning.(Photo11: Mike Buck Photography/Special to Clarion Ledger)

Other sample-worthy appetizers are Lower Alabama Caviar ($5) or savory black-eyed peas in balsamic vinaigrette; peel and eat shrimp ($16 for a half-pound; $22 for a pound); smoked tuna dip ($12); Lulu’s Famous Seafood gumbo ($6 for a cup; $9 for a bowl) and Crazy Sista’s crab toast ($9).

Also on the starters menu are a variety of nachos, dips and chicken fingers.

Many come to Lulu’s for seafood, especially vacationers from places far from coastal waters. Lulu’s doesn’t disappoint offering an acceptable array of seafood baskets that emerge hot, crispy and fried in Buffett’s special seasoning. All baskets come with French fries, cole slaw and jalapeño hushpuppies.

You can’t go wrong with the half-&-half seafood basket ($25) filled with your choice of two entrees, ranging from shrimp (grilled, blackened or fried), fried oysters and fried fish. Or, do what I did on my visit a couple of weeks ago and choose a basket filled solely with jumbo shrimp ($22), fried to a crispy perfection.

Now, to the menu section, I peruse most often when visiting Lulu’s — Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Borrowing a line from one of her brother’s biggest hits, Lulu created two specialty burgers that are truly a serving of paradise between two buns.

My regular selection, Crazy Sista’s Version ($12), is a half-pound burger seasoned with Lulu’s “salty peppa” seasoning blend and topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. For $1 extra, toppings like sautéed onions and mushrooms, bacon, jalapeños and even grilled pineapple can be added.

A new addition to the list is Lulu’s “Pa-Menna” Cheeseburger ($14). It’s basically a cheeseburger in paradise taken to heavenly heights with pimento cheese, bacon and fried green tomatoes. I didn’t try it, but after seeing it served to nearby diners, I may have to cast my beloved cheeseburger aside on my next visit.

Lulu’s Famous Wow Sauce

Coat peppers with olive oil. Char in a hot skillet or under broiler. The trick is to blacken the skins evenly by turning them frequently.

Once peppers are charred, place them in plastic baggie or covered bowl for about 15 minutes. As the peppers cool, the heat and moisture ”sweat” the skins from the peppers. Once skins are removed, cut peppers in half, carefully remove seeds and finely chop.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate.

Recipe from Lulu's Kitchen, A Taste of the Gulf Coast Good Life, Lucy Buffett.